Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry : November 2023

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

ALTARS IN YOUR HOME - Part 1

WEDNESDAY, 29th NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Topic: ALTARS IN YOUR HOME – Part 1

MEMORIZE: 'A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out." Leviticus 6:13.

SCRIPTURE READING: Leviticus 6:12-13

"And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order on it; and he shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. 'A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out."

EXPOSITION:

If the home is in order, the church and, by extension, the society will be in order. Altar is a very significant point. It is a place where sacrifice is offered. If there is no altar, no platform for making atonement for sin *(Lev. 9:10)*. Christ's blood was shed on the cross of Calvary, the altar where our sins' remission was perfected. The patriarchs of faith made altars at every significant encounter with God *(Gen. 8:20; 22:9; Exod. 17:15)*. Today, altar has become mobile, i.e. in our hearts. At home, there should be 5 altars that should work together for edification (Eph. 4:1ff):

1) Father's Altar: As the head, he must keep an altar. He must have personal relationship with God. On his personal altar, he prays, meditates in the Word, and keeps vigils. If the father can do this, Satan cannot gain entrance into the house *(Ezek. 33:7)*, He is the watchman and gateman of his house.

2) Mother's Altar: Just like the father, the mother should have her personal altar. Even though they (husband and wife) share the same room and bed, the two principal altars cannot clash. It depends on how they handle it.

If the parents are prayerless, the children will automatically be unprotected. This is the reason why many destinies got trapped down in the hand of the enemies, because the parents were unable to secure the future of their children – their individual altars are dead and not functional. If every father and mother can wake up into having effective prayer altar, the next generation will surely be the luckiest. Godliness will be the identity of every city and nations of the world.

As a parent, you must not continue disappointing God who has made you a father/mother. Rise up and built an effective altar of relationship with God and of security around your family.

PRAYER POINT:

i. Lord, I receive grace and power not to leave my family unprotected and insecure in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, I receive divine enablement to have a functional personal altar in communion with God in Jesus name.

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE, General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l. It is an extraction of God’s word designed to draw the sincere seekers closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word.

Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com For more of our Daily Devotional Messages, visit our website: http://www.anchoroflifeintl.blogspot.com

Monday, November 27, 2023

THE NECESSITY FOR REPENTANCE AND REGENERATION - Part 1

TUESDAY, 28^th NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: THE NECESSITY FOR REPENTANCE AND REGENERATION - Part 1

MEMORY SCRIPTURE “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18).

SCRIPTURE READING: John 3:16-19

“"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

EXPOSITION:

To underscore the importance of repentance and regeneration above all, Jesus didn't mince words in telling the well-respected Jewish leader, Nicodemus, that he couldn't go anywhere near God, if he wasn't born again!

Since the Fall, everybody needs to be born again. He who refuses finally to be regenerated would waste with the devil in hell. The depravity of man notwithstanding, the gracious God wouldn't allow man to be wasted just like that. His eternal love for man came to bear. Provision has been divinely made for man's deliverance. How? Any conditions attached? Surprisingly, the same God that man offended and Who inflicted punishment on man still came down from His lofty height to bear the brunt and set the condemned man free. Whoa! Though, this provision of His is free, it is optional (Rev. 3:20), but highly consequential, if the offer is rejected.

Man has no say in the first birth but the second birth is by choice and the opportunity is open to all. To enter God's kingdom, man must undergo spiritual rebirth. The new age Jesus was announcing was to be a radical new beginning, a new quality of life - eternal life. John 3:18 contains the heart of the gospel message. Jesus comes to save, but the consequences of His coming, for those who refuse Him, is judgement. Therefore, repent and be regenerated through your new birth in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER POINT: i. Lord, help me to remain steadfast in you, not to backslide in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, give understanding of your word to the sinners that they may come to you in genuine repentance and be regenerated before it is too late in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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Sunday, November 26, 2023

CHRISTIAN VIRTUE: HUMILITY

MONDAY, 27^th NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: CHRISTIAN VIRTUE: HUMILITY

MEMORIZE: "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Romans 12:3

SCRIPTURE READING: Philippians 2:5-11

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

EXPOSITION

Humility is a prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3;

Romans15:17, 18 “Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient--”;

1 Cor. 3:5-7 “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”;

2 Cor. 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,”).

It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (“rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquility (Ps. 69:32, 33 “ 32 The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. 33 For the LORD hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners.”), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22 “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.”).

Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8 “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”).

Therefore, the greatest promises are made to the humble (Psalm 147:6 “The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.”;

Isaiah 57:15 “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”;

Isaiah 66:2 “For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist," Says the LORD. "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.”;

1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”).

It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, help us to possess the spirit of humility, for us not to be humbled by you in Jesus name.

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Saturday, November 25, 2023

THE LORD WILL GIVE GRACE AND GLORY

SUNDAY, 26^th NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

THE LORD WILL GIVE GRACE AND GLORY

MEMORIZE: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 84:9-12

“O God, behold our shield, And look upon the face of Your anointed. 10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!”

EXPOSITION:

Grace signifies both the good-will of God towards us and the good work of God in us; glory signifies both the honour which he now puts upon us, in giving us the adoption of sons, and that which he has prepared for us in the inheritance of sons. God will give them grace in this world as a preparation for glory, and glory in the other world as the perfection of grace; both are God's gift, his free gift. And as, on the one hand, wherever God gives grace he will give glory (for grace is glory begun, and is an earnest of it), so, on the other hand, he will give glory hereafter to none to whom he does not give grace now, or who receive his grace in vain. And if God will give grace and glory, which are the two great things that concur to make us happy in both worlds, we may be sure that no good thing will be withheld from those that walk uprightly. It is the character of all good people that they walk uprightly, that they worship God in spirit and in truth, and have their conversation in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity; and such may be sure that God will withhold no good thing from them, that is requisite to their comfortable passage through this world. Make sure grace and glory, and other things shall be added. This is a comprehensive promise, and is such an assurance of the present comfort of the saints that, whatever they desire, and think they need, they may be sure that either Infinite Wisdom sees it is not good for them or Infinite Goodness will give it to them in due time. Let it be our care to walk uprightly, and then let us trust God to give us everything that is good for us.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, give me your grace and show me your glory in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –

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Friday, November 24, 2023

GOD IS MY HOPE AND JOY

SATURDAY, 25th NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Topic: GOD IS MY HOPE AND JOY

MEMORIZE: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 84:9-12

EXPOSITION:

God himself is our hope, and joy. Hope is one of the three main elements of Christian character (1 Cor. 13:13). It is joined to faith and love, and is opposed to seeing or possessing (Rom. 8:24 “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?”; 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”). "Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity (1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”; Heb. 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”).

In this hope in Christ Jesus, the whole glory of the Christian vocation is centred (“the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” Eph. 1:18; “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;” 4:4)." Unbelievers are without this hope (Eph. 2:12 “that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”; 1 Thess. 4:13 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.”).

Christ is the actual object of the believer's hope, because it is in his second coming that the hope of glory will be fulfilled (1 Tim. 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,”; Col. 1:27 “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”; Titus 2:13 “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”). It is spoken of as "lively", i.e., a living, hope, a hope not frail and perishable, but having a perennial life (1 Peter 1:3 “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”). In Rom. 5:2 the "hope" spoken of is probably objective, i.e., "the hope set before us," namely, eternal life (comp. 12:12). In 1 John 3:3 the expression "hope in him" ought rather to be, as in the Revised Version, "hope on him," i.e., a hope based on God.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, increase my joy in your hope in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –

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Thursday, November 23, 2023

GOD'S COURTS ARE MY CHOICE

FRIDAY, 24^th NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: GOD'S COURTS ARE MY CHOICE

MEMORIZE: " For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalm 84:10.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 23:6

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.”

EXPOSITION

The courts of the Lord is the temple, the sacred place of the worship of the Almighty. It is the meeting place between God and men. It is a place of communion with God. David, the writer of this Psalm had very great regard for holy ordinances and the courts of the LORD: he valued them above anything else, and he expresses his value for them,

(1.) BY PREFERRING THE TIME OF GOD'S WORSHIP BEFORE ALL OTHER TIME:

A day spent in thy courts, in attending on the services of religion, wholly abstracted from all secular affairs, is better than a thousand, not than a thousand in thy courts, but any where else in this world, though in the midst of all the delights of the children of men. Better than a thousand, he does not say days, you may supply it with years, with ages, if you will, and yet David will set his hand to it.

"A day in thy courts, a sabbath day, a holy day, a feast- day, though but one day, would be very welcome to me; nay" (as some of the rabbin paraphrase it), "though I were to die for it the next day, yet that would be more sweet than years spent in the business and pleasure of this world. One of these days shall with its pleasure chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, to shame, as not worthy to be compared."

(2.) BY PREFERRING THE PLACE OF WORSHIP BEFORE ANY OTHER PLACE:

I would rather be a door-keeper, rather be in the meanest place and office, in the house of my God, than dwell in state, as master, in the tents of wickedness. Observe, He calls even the tabernacle a house, for the presence of God in it made even those curtains more stately than a palace and more strong than a castle. It is the house of my God; the covenant-interest he had in God as his God was the sweet string on which he loved dearly to be harping; those, and those only, who can, upon good ground, call God theirs, delight in the courts of his house. I would rather be a porter in God's house than a prince in those tents where wickedness reigns, rather lie at the threshold (so the word is); that was the beggar's place (Acts 3:2): "no matter" (says David), "let that be my place rather than none."

The Pharisees loved synagogues well enough, provided they might have the uppermost seats there (Mt 23:6), that they might make a figure. David is not solicitous about that; if he may but be admitted to the threshold, he will say, Master, it is good to be here. Some read it, I would rather be fixed to a post in the house of my God than live at liberty in the tents of wickedness, alluding to the law concerning servants, who, if they would not go out free, were to have their ear bored to the door-post, Ex 21:5-6. David loved his master and loved his work so well that he desired to be tied to this service for ever, to be more free to it, but never to go out free from it, preferring bonds to duty far before the greatest liberty to sin. Such a superlative delight has holy hearts in holy duties; no satisfaction in their account comparable to that in communion with God.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I desire your presence more than any other place, take your place in my life in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

THURSDAY, 23^rd NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

MEMORIZE: " The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 23:1-6

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever."

EXPOSITION

In the face of insecurity that is prevailing in the world today, we need someone whom we can trust with our lives to give us assurance of protection and sure provision. God has thereby provided a Shepherd for us in person of Jesus Christ, Who will supply us all things according to His riches in glory. Hallelujah!

Many of David's psalms are full of complaints, but Psalm 23 is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God's great goodness and dependence upon him. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction.

In this Psalm, David claims his relation to God as his shepherd, Ps 23:1. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd, Ps 23:2-3,5. Hence he infers that he shall not want good things (Ps 23:1). He also expresses that he needed to fear no evil (Ps 23:4), that God would never leave nor forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty, Ps 23:6.

In the same sense must keep our eye not only to the blessings of God's providence, which made our outward condition prosperous, but to the communications of God's grace, received by a lively faith, and returned in a warm devotion, which must fill our soul with joy unspeakable. Jesus Christ is our Shepherd, who loves His sheep died the sheep. Therefore, as the sheep, we receive the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd.

As you go out today and always, may you remain secured and immovable to the enemies in Jesus name. Put your trust in Jesus Christ and trust Him for all your provision, both materials and immaterial.

PRAYER POINT: Lord Jesus, I put my trust in you for my provision now and always. Help me now and always in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

FREEDOM FROM CURSES

WEDNESDAY, 22^nd NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: FREEDOM FROM CURSES

MEMORIZE: "Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it." Numbers 23:20.

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Kings 2:19-22

“Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren." 20 And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the LORD: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.'" 22 So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.”

EXPOSITION

When we look into the world, we hardly can see people who are free from the torment of curse and spell. Curse is the judgemental pronouncement upon a person or thing, family, community or nation, usually for offense committed. Curse has two main origins: It could be inherited and it can be self-caused. Curse don’t usually come without a curse. As it is written, “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” Proverbs 26:2.

Curse has power, it can be inherited by the children from their parents. Curse is deadly and sometimes works faster than imagined. Jesus demonstrated this when He cursed the fruitless fig tree, and it dried instantly. “And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; ... And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.” Mark 11:13, 20-21.

Enemies also use the weapon of curse to destroy lives and destinies through sickness, insanity, poverty, hatred, implications, etc. To these God is the unfailing antidote. Balam said, “"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? 20 Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.” Numbers 23:19,20. When God blesses a man, it instantly neutralizes the curse. To this end, God has given us the power of tongue to bind and loose. It is written, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:18.

Joshua cursed Jericho through word (Joshua 6:26 “Then Joshua charged them at that time, saying, "Cursed be the man before the LORD who rises up and builds this city Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and with his youngest he shall set up its gates.”), The curse was fulfilled in “In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.” 1 Kings 16:34. After Jericho became habited, the curse was still on the land until Elisha healed it completely - 2 Kings 2:19-22. Surely, there is healing to curse and its judgment only in the name of Jesus Christ through th word of God.

PRAYER POINT: Pray with the authority of the name of Jesus Christ and destroy every curse and spell upon your life, both inherited and self-caused.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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Monday, November 20, 2023

DON'T BOAST OF TOMORROW

TUESDAY, 21ST NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: DON'T BOAST OF TOMORROW

MEMORIZE: "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD's counsel that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21).

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 12:16-20

"Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’"

EXPOSITION

Just a phone call about an accident, a text message about a cough turned high fever, a stomach-ache, an office apartment engulfed in flames of fire, or being caught in a sporadic gunfire at a recreation park, and etcetera, can alter a day's plan, if not a lifetime! Life is too complex than not bringing God into our plans as Christians. Life is uncertain to us, but not to God. So, instead of boasting about the validity of your plans, commit them to the Lord. Lots of people love to celebrate their birthdays. Of course, God tells us to number our days, but this is aimed at helping us *gain a heart of wisdom* (Psa. 90:12). Life on earth is like a vapour when compared with eternity. Don't waste your life on what is ephemeral

Before Thomas A Kempis wrote, "Man proposes but God disposes, King Solomon had written it first: *We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls its decision* (Prov 16:33 LB) And Psalm 146:4 (NLT) says, *When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.* Know assuredly that man cannot control future events of his own, for man has neither the wisdom to see the future not the power to control it! Make your boasts only in God (Jer. 9:23-24). James did not insert the word, *If the Lord wills* (Jas. 4:15) as some magical incantation we simply add to the end of a sentence, which will suddenly change our plans to God's. Rather, *the Lord wills* must be the core of whatever we plan as Christians (Jn. 4:34). Do not be the rich fool who boasted about tomorrow he would never see.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I put mu trust in you for my better tomorrow in Jesus Name.

ii. Lord, I hereby submit myself to the study of your word so that I will know clearly your word, way and will.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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TRUST GOD FOR TOMORROW

MONDAY, 20TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: TRUST GOD FOR TOMORROW

MEMORISE: Do not boast about tomorrow. For you do not know what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1).

SCRIPTURE READING: James 4:13-17

13. Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14. whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16. But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

EXPOSITION

Is it wrong for Christians to make plans? No. What James 4 warns against is living our lives and making plans as if God doesn't exist. Such amounts to practical atheism. As simple as life is, it is not as easy as ABC. It takes God to take care of the good, the bad and the ugly of tomorrow. The stern warning here by James is not the desire to make a profit out of business, nor is he condemning careful planning, but rather, the foolish presumption that characterises people's planning without God in it. He says, *Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that" (Jas. 4:15).

The writer of Proverbs 16:3 counsels, *Commit your works* (actions) *to the LORD, and your thoughts* (plans) *will be established* (succeed). Believers in God are not to arrogate anything, especially success, to themselves, because that amounts to pride and free-thinking. The Scripture says, *For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have* [talents, treasures, opportunities, and etcetera] *that you did not receive? Now if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?* (1 Cor. 4:7). Give every praise and glory to God, the Giver of all things, in whatever you plan or anticipate. Take lessons from the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:15-20. James warns, *But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil* (Jas. 4:16). Brethren, let us cease from living as atheists claiming to be Christians.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I trust you for my future. Help me and give me direction in life in Jesus Name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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Saturday, November 18, 2023

SEEK NOT BETHEL, BUT GOD

SUNDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER, 2023

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Topic: SEEK NOT BETHEL, BUT GOD

MEMORIZE: “But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought.” Amos 5:5.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Kings 12:26-30.

“And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.”

EXPOSITION:

Bethel, which mean “the house of God” was named by Jacob, for there the Lord met him when he was running away from his angry brother, Esau. There he slept, using a stone as pillow… “And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.” Genesis 28:12-15.

Bethel was initially having good reference as a place where God dwells. For example, At Bethel, God appeared unto Jacob and transferred His covenant for Abraham and Isaac to him. He also promised him his presence and back up. It is written, “And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God.” Genesis 28:16-21. Twenty years later, the Lord appeared to Jacob again and instructed him to return back to Bethel where He vowed to build the altar unto God – Genesis 31:13; 35:1-7.

At a time, the iniquities of the children of Israel pollute it and the presence of God departed from there. During the divided kingdom under King Jeroboam, son of Nebat, he forbad his subjects to go to Jerusalem to pray to the living God. He then “took counsel and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.” Since then, Bethel had become the high place where they sacrifice unto baal. Anyone that went there did not go to serve the living God but baal. Therefore, God detest it and vowed to destroy it.

Thereafter, the order of God was: Seek ye Me, but seek not Bethel… “For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 5 But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. 6 Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.” Amos 5:4-6.

Dear reader, what are you building in your relationship with God? Can you remember your beginning, how you started well? You were so pleasing to the Lord. You feared God and Love to be with Him always. Adam enjoyed the same when he started with God in the Garden of Eden until iniquity destroyed his relationship with God. He was therefore chased out of Eden, the garden of God. Why did you desert your Jerusalem and built strange doctrine in your heart, your home and your church? No one could question you because you think you own your life. Today, God is still saying, But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.” Amos 5:5-6. Bethel may look religious, but it is contaminated. God is no longer there. Repent and desist from whatever you are doing that is not giving God the glory.

PRAYER: Lord, have mercy on us and forgive us where we are seeking men and buildings instead of you, God. Lord, save us and restore us back to yourself in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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LOVE ONE ANOTHER – Part 2

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SATURDAY, 18TH NOVEMBER, 2022.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Topic: LOVE ONE ANOTHER – Part 2

The Pathetic Pressing Of The Christian Duty

MEMORIZE: " He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now." 1 John 2:9.

SCRIPTURE READING: Philippians 2:1-4.

" Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. "

EXPOSITION:

Today, we are continuing to look at The Pathetic Pressing Of The Christian Duty. Yesterday, we look at #1: (1.) IF THERE IS ANY CONSOLATION IN CHRIST. Have you experienced consolation in Christ? Evidence that experience by loving one another." The sweetness we have found in the doctrine of Christ should sweeten our spirits.

(2.) COMFORT OF LOVE. If there is any comfort in Christian love, in God's love to you, in your love to God, or in your brethren's love to us, in consideration of all this, be you like-minded. If you have ever found that comfort, if you would find it, if you indeed believe that the grace of love is a comfortable grace, abound in it."

(3.) FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT. If there is such a thing as communion with God and Christ by the Spirit, such a thing as the communion of saints, by virtue of their being animated and actuated by one and the same Spirit, be you like-minded; for Christian love and like-mindedness will preserve to us our communion with God and with one another.

(4.) ANY BOWELS AND MERCIES, IN GOD AND CHRIST, TOWARDS YOU. If you expect the benefit of God's compassions to yourselves, be you compassionate one to another. If there is such a thing as mercy to be found among the followers of Christ, if all who are sanctified have a disposition to holy pity, make it appear this way. How cogent are these arguments! One would think them enough to tame the most fierce, and mollify the hardest, heart.

(5.) ANOTHER ARGUMENT HE INSINUATES IS THE COMFORT IT WOULD BE TO HIM: FULFIL YOU MY JOY. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded and living in love. He had been instrumental in bringing them to the grace of Christ and the love of God.

Now, if you have found any benefit by your participation of the gospel of Christ, if you have any comfort in it, or advantage by it, fulfil the joy of your poor minister, who preached the gospel to you.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us to love one another as we love you, Christ our Saviour.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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LOVE ONE ANOTHER - Part 1

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For FRIDAY 17TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Topic: LOVE ONE ANOTHER – Part 1

MEMORIZE: "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." 1 John 2:10.

SCRIPTURE READING: Philippians 2:1-4.

EXPOSITION:

The great gospel precept pressed upon us; that is, to love one another. This is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. This he represents (Philippians 2:2) by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. We are of a like mind when we have the same love. Christians should be one in affection, whether they can be one in apprehension or no. This is always in their power, and always their duty, and is the likeliest way to bring them nearer in judgment.

Having the same love. The same love that we are required to express to others, others are bound to express to us. Christian love ought to be mutual love. Love, and you shall be loved. Being of one accord, and of one mind; not crossing and thwarting, or driving on separate interests, but unanimously agreeing in the great things of God and keeping the unity of the Spirit in other differences.

Here we observe, The pathetic pressing of the Christian duty. He is very importunate with them, knowing what an evidence it is of our sincerity, and what a means of the preservation and edification of the body of Christ. The inducements to brotherly love are these:--

(1.) IF THERE IS ANY CONSOLATION IN CHRIST. Have you experienced consolation in Christ? Evidence that experience by loving one another." The sweetness we have found in the doctrine of Christ should sweeten our spirits. Do we expect consolation in Christ? If we would not be disappointed, we must love one another. If we have not consolation in Christ, where else can we expect it? Those who have an interest in Christ have consolation in him, strong and everlasting consolation (Heb 6:18 “that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.”; 2 Thess. 2:16-17 “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”), and therefore we ought to love one another.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, help us to genuinely love one another in Christ Jesus.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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HEAR MY PRAYER, O LORD

THURSDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

TOPIC: HEAR MY PRAYER, O LORD.

MEMORIZE: “O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob!” Psalms 84:8 - 12.

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 84:8 - 12.

“O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! 9 O God, behold our shield, And look upon the face of Your anointed. 10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!”

EXPOSITION:

Prayer is the communication line between God and men. We make our requests known to God through prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The psalmist prayed for audience and acceptance with God. He needed to say no more when he had professed such an affectionate esteem for the ordinances of God. All his desire was, in that profession, plainly before God, and his longing, his groaning, was not hidden from him; therefore he prayed that God would hear his prayer and give ear, that he would behold his condition, behold his good affection, and look upon his face, which way it was set, and how his countenance discovered the longing desire he had towards God's courts. He calls himself God's anointed, for David was anointed by God and anointed for him.

In this petition, He has an eye to God under several of his glorious titles…

-- As the Lord God of hosts, who has all the creatures at his command, and therefore has all power both in heaven and in earth. He is the One,

--As the God of Jacob, a God in covenant with his own people, a God who never said to the praying seed of Jacob, Seek you me in vain,

--And as God our shield, who takes his people under his special protection, pursuant to his covenant with Abraham their father. Ge 15:1, Fear not, Abraham, I am thy shield. When David could not be hidden in the secret of God's tabernacle (Ps 27:5), being at a distance from it, yet he hoped to find God his shield ready to him wherever he was.

He also has an eye to the Mediator; for of him I rather understand those words, Look upon the face of thy Messiah, thy anointed one, for of his anointing David spoke, Ps 45:7. In all our addresses to God we must desire that he would look upon the face of Christ, accept us for his sake, and be well-pleased with us in him. We must look with an eye of faith, and then God will with an eye of favour look upon the face of the anointed, who does show his face when we without him dare not show ours.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I look unto you, answer my prayers in Jesus name.

ii. Lord, help me to develop an effective prayer life that trust in you in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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JOY OF VICTORY – Part 2

ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For WEDNESDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER, 2023

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE – General Overseer

Topic: JOY OF VICTORY – Part 2

MEMORIZE: “And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.” Esther 8:15-16.

SCRIPTURE READING: Esther 7:6-10

“And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.”

EXPOSITION:

One of the names of God is “THE LORD OF HOST”. He is also called, “THE MAN OF WAR”. By this names, He is known for fighting the for His children, most especially, those who admit that they can do nothing without Him. Mordecai and Esther are examples of people who enjoyed God. God gave them victory over their sworn enemy – Haman. Haman was privileged to be lifted high to the second in command to king Ahasuerus. But in his highly exalted position, he still hates Mordecai, the gate keeper of the King’s palace, because he refused to bow down to him. He thereby determined to waste the entire Jewish race because of Mordecai in the whole one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the Persia and Media. He sought the king’s approval and vowed to pay huge amount of money into the king’s treasury. But God overturned his plan as he became the victim of the judgment of death he had prepared for Mordecai.

I want to assure you that this God never change. He is still in the business of defending and avenging for his people. He will surely fight for you too. The joy of victory was experienced by Mordecai, Esther and the entire Jewish race. They were fortified by the order of the king against their enemies and they utterly destroy their enemies. Thereafter, they were promoted and possessed the house and possessions of their enemies. It is written, “On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.” Esther 8:1,2. “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” Esther 10:3.

Once you have God on your behalf, charms and other weapons of the enemies shall not harm you in any way. You too will experience the joy of victory over those who are threatening your life and progress. Pray to God today for Him to fight for you. Anyone who wins God’s approval will never become loser. He fought for Mordecai and Esther even in the strange land… He fought for Moses and the children of Israel in Egypt… He will fight for you too. May your expectation in God never be disappointed in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I admit I need you in my life. Fight for me and give me victory over all my sworn enemies in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR – Acts 10 - 12.

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Pages

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

ALTARS IN YOUR HOME - Part 1

Monday, November 27, 2023

THE NECESSITY FOR REPENTANCE AND REGENERATION - Part 1

Sunday, November 26, 2023

CHRISTIAN VIRTUE: HUMILITY

Saturday, November 25, 2023

THE LORD WILL GIVE GRACE AND GLORY

Friday, November 24, 2023

GOD IS MY HOPE AND JOY

Thursday, November 23, 2023

GOD'S COURTS ARE MY CHOICE

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

FREEDOM FROM CURSES

Monday, November 20, 2023

DON'T BOAST OF TOMORROW

TRUST GOD FOR TOMORROW

Saturday, November 18, 2023

SEEK NOT BETHEL, BUT GOD

LOVE ONE ANOTHER – Part 2

LOVE ONE ANOTHER - Part 1

HEAR MY PRAYER, O LORD

JOY OF VICTORY – Part 2

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